3. Emissions From Residential Wood Combustion Were the Largest Contributors to PM 2.5 on Polluted DaysThe 2008 emissions inventory compiled by the ODEQ calculated a direct PM 2.5 emissions rate of 654.7 tpy. Approximately 62% of the total annual emissions were attributable to area sources, primarily of emissions from residential wood combustion. Worst case daily emissions of direct PM 2.5 were calculated at 5,420 pounds (lbs) per day with 53% of total emissions attributable to area sources, primarily emissions from residential wood combustion. To assess how these emissions translated into contributions at the monitor, the EPA conducted a PMF analysis as discussed above based on speciated data from the Klamath Falls violating monitor. The results of the PMF analysis showed that emissions of residential wood smoke contributed an estimated 64-72% of total PM 2.5 concentrations at the monitor (attachment 3.3h). Residential wood combustion also emits small amounts of SO 2, NO X, VOC, and ammonia, 4%, 2%, 11%, and 6%, respectively, of the inventory for these precursors on the “worst case day.” So not only did primary organic and elemental carbon make up over 60% of the PM 2.5 mass at the monitor based on the emissions inventory data, PMF analysis, and speciation analyses, but control measures to address residential wood combustion also had the collateral benefit of reducing the precursor inventory.

• The Surgeon General has determined that there is no safe level of exposure to ambient smoke!

• If you smell even a subtle odor of smoke, you are being exposed to poisonous and carcinogenic chemical compounds!

• Even a brief exposure to smoke raises blood pressure, (no matter what your state of health) and can cause blood clotting, stroke, or heart attack in vulnerable people. Even children experience elevated blood pressure when exposed to smoke!

• Since smoke drastically weakens the lungs' immune system, avoiding smoke is one of the best ways to prevent colds, flu, bronchitis, or risk of an even more serious respiratory illness, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis! Does your child have the flu? Chances are they have been exposed to ambient smoke!